The Grizzlies entered the 2020-21 NBA season with high expectations but also with injury concerns. Jaren Jackson Jr. was rehabbing from a torn meniscus in his left knee entering the campaign and Memphis appears to be taking his rehab and subsequent return to the lineup cautiously, something that could be due to JJJ suffering a sprain in that same knee last February. It is unknown when Jackson Jr. will be back to practice.
Reigning NBA Rookie of the Year, Ja Morant, was taken off the court in a wheelchair after suffering a Grade 2 ankle sprain just three games into the season and he has a couple more weeks of rehab left. Morant could return to action after the road trip to Portland in late January.
With their two best players rehabbing from injuries, the Grizzlies have some decisions to ponder. Do they continue to take things slow with Jackson Jr. and Morant keeping an eye on the 2021 draft and 2021-22 season? Or do they push for the playoffs and hope the early season injuries are distant memories in March?
Five Reasons to Wait
1) 2021 NBA Draft
The Grizzlies have the fifth-worst record in the association, as of this writing. The 2021 draft class is considered better than the 2020 draft class. Grab another impact player and form your own Big-3.
2) Ja is special
There’s no doubt that Ja Morant is a future star in the NBA and could be a top player in the league for many years to come but nagging injuries have derailed many a top talent. Take it slow. Let him heal. Let him come back more explosive than ever.
3) Crazy year gives you cover
If there was one year, or I guess two years now that would allow your fans to understand a temporary slump it would be this year. Grizzlies have a bright future and its okay that it takes one more year to reach that potential.
4) Development
Watching guys like Brandon Clarke and Dillon Brooks have solid stretches this season has been a joy. If the Grizzlies are going to compete in the West, they will need to continue to develop players like Clarke and Brooks. Let them get that experience and continue the growth.
5) The Grizzlies aren’t this year’s Heat
So this one was a tough one to add. I do believe that Morant and Jackson Jr. should come back this year, but ultimately the Grizzlies will not win the championship. Try to win games, try to get Morant and Jackson Jr. back into playing shape, avoid injuries, and hope you get a high draft pick.
Five Reasons to Push for Results This Season
1) Growth
The team, as it was intended to be, needs the experience of consistently playing together. Morant, Jackson Jr., Clarke, and Brooks have played less than 82 games together, and whenever it seems like they have a rhythm something happens to derail that progress.
2) Lack of Identity
The team has no consistent identity. Without Ja, there is no leader on offense. Brooks can, at times, take a game over but he needs to be more consistent. Jonas Valanciunas has played well, and his veteran presence is important, but he can’t lead this team to the playoffs. So, the Grizzlies would benefit greatly from getting Ja and Jackson Jr. back and establishing the type of team they want to be. If the playoffs come, great, but that time on the court is what’s important.
3) The NBA needs Ja back
While this is selfish, the NBA is better when number 12 is playing. He is one of the most exciting players to come into the NBA for some time. Ja can lead this team, but he needs to be on the floor to do that.
4) Team has potential
The Grizzlies have been around .500 since Ja was injured. Teams without their top two players don’t play around .500, unless they have talented depth. The Grizzlies can make the playoffs and owe it to its players to continue to work towards that goal.
5) The Cleveland Browns
The Browns have proved that anything can happen in sports. So, get healthy and get ready to make some history. Why not Memphis?
Whatever happens, the Grizzlies are resilient and that’s a trait you can’t teach. That’s also a trait that’s in championship DNA.
I mean, Why not Memphis?
